When school starts up again, so do the busy schedules! Some important events happening are the Blackout Football Game and Volley for the Cure. These events are good for both students and the community to get involved.

Blackout this year was on Friday September 20th. Pekin Community High School (PCHS) has been raising money for Easterseals for 16 years and each year we raise more money than the previous one.

Senior Student Council (STUCO) President Elizabeth Austin said, “The best part of raising money for Easterseals is getting to watch all of Pekin come together and donate to a great cause. Easterseals does amazing things so it is very fulfilling to see everyone forget about their differences and join together in supporting such a special cause.”

During the presidency of former PCHS student and president, Mya Chau, STUCO had raised the most money last year than any other year for the Easterseals. As a result, STUCO’s goal this year is to raise even more money than last year. They are said to be accomplishing this by selling t-shirts for longer and can-shaking at other football games, not just the Blackout game. 

Blackout has enriched the lives of those in the community in many ways for Austin, she stated, “When I was a freshman, I had no idea what Easterseals was or what they do, but now I get to help others learn about this amazing cause. It is cool to meet the kids who benefit from the Blackout donations and it is so fulfilling as it is sort of like a full-circle moment.”

PCHS has many other events that help raise money for organizations like Easterseals. One event that is also coming up is Volley for the Cure. Volley for the Cure has been here at PCHS for 17 years, and is one of the highest donors to the Susan G. Komen Foundation after the Race for the Cure.

Assistant Varsity Coach Priscilla Deleare said, “I am proud to know that the work of our volleyball families and community does make a difference in what the Susan G. Komen Foundation can do with additional financial support in the advancement of breast cancer research.” She also said, “Their research efforts have helped our community provide financial support to anyone that would need a mammogram and also provide medical information about the services they provide both mental and physical aspects of being diagnosed with breast cancer.”

As stated by Deleare, Volley for the Cure is an event that will change lives due to the generosity of our school and community. Every donation will make a difference in the research and help that the Susan G. Komen Foundation provides to so many people. She had also mentioned that last year PCHS was number one in the nation to donate with a little over $32,000. 

These events not only help the causes that are donated to but also the community, by bringing them together for a common goal. These events not only bring those together but also raise support for the community.